Macon Telegraph, Georgia
2 December 1909
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)
JOHN HARVARD LYNCHED BY POSSE NEAR COCHRAN
COCHRAN, Ga., Dec 1 -- John Harvard, a negro preacher who shot and fatally injured Will D. Booth two miles from this place late this afternoon, was captured by a posse of enraged citizens five miles from here tonight at 10 o'clock and lynched. His body was riddled with bullets.
Booth is a well known business man of Hawkinsville and was en route to Cochran in an automobile when the shooting occurred. He drove up behind Harvard who was in front of him in a wagon. Harvard charged that Booth's machine frightened his mules. He drew a pistol after a few words and fired upon Booth, three shots taking effect. Booth returned the fire and it was learned after the negro was captured that he carried two bullets, but neither struck vital spots and he easily made his escape. He was found in a barn three miles from the place where the shooting occurred.
Booth was brought to this place immediately after the shooting. Surgeons tonight gave out the statement that there was little hope for his recovery. He has a wife and several children.
Officers from Hawkinsville in automobiles and carrying trackhounds, went immediately to the scene of the shooting, but a party of enraged citizens was quickly formed and trailed the negro on horseback to his hiding place. He showed fight, but was suffering so severely from the effects of his injuries until he could offer but little resistance. He freely admitted the shooting and it is stated justified his action by the fact that Booth's automobile frightened his mules.
